Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Bhubaneswar centre has issued a multi-day weather warning for Odisha, forecasting widespread light to moderate rainfall across the state with isolated spells of heavy to very heavy showers, particularly in the southern districts of Koraput and Malkangiri.
The weather alert follows a day of significant rainfall, with Laikera in Jharsuguda district recording a staggering 12 cm of rain, followed by Jharbandh in Bargarh at 8 cm, as per the midday bulletin issued on Monday.
The IMD bulletin outlines the current synoptic situation, noting that the monsoon trough is active and passing through the region. An upper air cyclonic circulation persists over the northwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, off the coasts of south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh. This system is tilting southwards with height and is responsible for the enhanced rainfall activity.
Weekly Forecast and Warnings
The IMD has forecast a week of active monsoon conditions:
- Day 1 & 2 (Today & Tomorrow): A Yellow Warning (Be Aware) is in place for thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) for almost all districts of Odisha.
- Day 3 & 4 (Sept 10-12):The intensity is expected to increase. An Orange Warning (Be Prepared) has been issued for Koraput and Malkangiri, predicting heavy to very heavy rain (7-20 cm). Other districts remain under a Yellow Warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms.
- Day 5 (Sept 12-13):The Orange Warning continues for Koraput and Malkangiri. A Yellow Warning for heavy rain is also issued for Nawarangpur, Nuapada, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Bargarh.
- Day 6 (Sept 13-14):Isolated heavy rain is likely in Nawarangpur and Nuapada (Yellow Warning).
- Day 7 (Sept 14-15):The weather activity is expected to subside, with no warnings currently in effect.
Potential Impacts and Advisory
For the districts under Orange Warning (Koraput and Malkangiri), the IMD has highlighted several potential impacts:
- Damage to plantations, horticulture crops, and loose structures.
- Partial damage to kutcha houses, power lines, and pucca roads.
- Localized flooding, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and disruption of traffic.
- Risk of localized landslides/mudslides.
- Disruption to marine activities and inland water transportation.
The advisory urges citizens to:
- Stay indoors and avoid travel during severe weather.
- Avoid areas prone to waterlogging and not take shelter under trees.
- Unplug electrical appliances and keep away from objects that conduct electricity.
- Check for traffic advisories before venturing out.
